"You see people begging for specific downgraded patches," says one forum user. "It creates a weird preservationist culture. We have archives of older game versions that even Steam doesn't host easily anymore."
Since you cannot use the "Subscribe" button on Steam, you must use external tools or websites like Steam Workshop Downloader to get the mod files. Modding Cracked HOI4: Your Guide To More Fun how to install mods for cracked hoi4